2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 670 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1973 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 1973 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
Model | 156 | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 6589 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 385 Nm | 375 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |