2004 Lancia Thesis vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Lancia Thesis is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lancia Thesis (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 120 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lancia Thesis. (309 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lancia Thesis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lancia Thesis | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thesis | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 309 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
