1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 603 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Cortina 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cortina | 159 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
