2009 Lada Niva vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 71 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 1981 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Niva | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2690 mm |
