1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Prefect 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 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1959 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1959 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 110 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 54 L |
