1979 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Escort | 166 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
