2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 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 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 166 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2690 mm |
