1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1959 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Zephyr 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 Zephyr. 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, 1959 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 145 | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
