1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 304 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Spider | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
