2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 671 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 Fairthorpe Zeta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fairthorpe |
| Model | 156 | Zeta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 673 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2230 mm |
