1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 145 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2220 mm |
