1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1971 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 35 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. 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 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1971 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 146 | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2930 mm |
