1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 557 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Zeta | 156 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2600 mm |
