1986 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Alfa Romeo 33 (116 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 396 kg more than 1986 Alfa Romeo 33.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Alfa Romeo 33. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 33 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1717 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2690 mm |
