2009 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2009 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 570 kg more than 2009 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada Niva | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Niva | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2910 mm |
