2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 32 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 575 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 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 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
Model | 159 | Cougar |
Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1859 cc | 6589 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 375 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |