1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 220 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Fairlane 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 1972 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1972 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2950 mm |
