2004 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 32 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 162 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Spider | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
