2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 199 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
Model | 159 | Cougar |
Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1908 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |