1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 705 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Alfasud | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
