1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 466 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cortina | 166 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72.6 mm |
| 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 | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 72 L |
