1963 AC Cobra vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (247 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 486 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
Because 1963 AC Cobra 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 1963 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | AC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cobra | 156 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
