1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1993 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Cougar (202 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 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, 1993 Mercury Cougar (359 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 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 | 1993 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2880 mm |
