1997 Lancia Kappa vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Lancia Kappa is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lancia Kappa (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 106 kg more than 1997 Lancia Kappa.
Because 1972 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Kappa, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lancia Kappa. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lancia Kappa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lancia Kappa | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Kappa | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
