1998 Lada Niva vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Lada Niva is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1998 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 440 kg more than 1998 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lada Niva | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Niva | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2860 mm |
