2000 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 19 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 150 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147.
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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 147 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
