1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1971 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,386 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1971 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2400 mm |
