1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 84 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
