1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2002 Ford Ka
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Ford Ka (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Ka 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 | 2002 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 42 L |
