1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2690 mm |
