1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina 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 153 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 54 L |
