2009 Alpina Roadster vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Alpina Roadster is newer by 36 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina Roadster (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 255 kg more than 2009 Alpina Roadster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina Roadster. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina Roadster | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | Roadster | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2860 mm |
