2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1955 Ford Consul
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Consul would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1955 Ford Consul. (40 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1955 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Ford Consul 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 1955 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Consul. (100 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1955 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Consul |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1508 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2550 mm |
