1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1985 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1985 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 310 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 1985 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1985 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2950 mm |
