1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 327 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 53.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 144 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
