1978 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Escort | 166 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
