2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 160 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 159 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
