1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 6 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 9 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 164 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
