2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 39 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 159 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
