1978 Ford Capri vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Capri | 159 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
