2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 166 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3178 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
