1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164

To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 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 10 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 365 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.

Compare all specifications:

1978 Mercury Cougar 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
Make Mercury Alfa Romeo
Model Cougar 164
Year Released 1978 1988
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4941 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 133 HP 123 HP
Engine RPM 3400 RPM 4200 RPM
Torque 336 Nm 294 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 2000 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1855 kg 1490 kg
Vehicle Length 5480 mm 4560 mm
Vehicle Width 2010 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1340 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 2910 mm 2670 mm


 

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