1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1975 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 680 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 1998 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, 1975 Mercury Cougar (378 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1975 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
