1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 665 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 164 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
