1981 Mercury Lynx vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Lynx | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Lynx | 156 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2600 mm |
