1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cougar | 159 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
