1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1978 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Taunus 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 1978 Ford Taunus. 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 (191 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1978 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 145 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 94 L |
