2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 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 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 494 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2004 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
