1996 Ford Ka vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 512 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Ka | 164 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
