1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 371 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cougar | 156 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2600 mm |
