2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 406 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
Model | 156 | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 88.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1656 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5080 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |