2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 30 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lancia Thesis (169 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 354 kg more than 2003 Lancia Thesis.
Because 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lancia Thesis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thesis | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2910 mm |
