1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1975 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 830 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 1975 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 1975 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, 1975 Mercury Cougar (378 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 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 | 1975 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 145 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2030 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 |
