1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cortina | 146 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
