2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1975 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Cortina 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 1975 Ford Cortina. 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 63 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 87 L |
