2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 220 kg more than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thesis | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2830 mm |
