1995 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 75 kg more than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 145 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2690 mm |
