1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 412 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Ford Prefect 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 1961 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Prefect | 146 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
