1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 66 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 146 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
