2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 40 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Spider | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
