1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 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 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 462 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird 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 | 2005 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
