1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,370 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 146 (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 146 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 54 L |
