1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta weights approximately 666 kg more than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Because 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa 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 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta, 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, 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | Alfetta | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
