1998 Ford Ka vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Ka would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1998 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1998 Ford Ka. 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Ka | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Ka | 159 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
