1989 Lada Samara vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lada Samara would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1989 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1989 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 390 kg more than 1989 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lada Samara | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Samara | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2710 mm |
