1998 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 89 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. 2001 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 146 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
