1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1978 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta 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 (104 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1978 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 146 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 34 L |
