2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 353 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
