2003 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT is newer by 29 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 235 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT, 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 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo GT | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | GT | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
