1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 915 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 145 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2910 mm |
