2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1958 Ford Prefect
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 670 kg more than 1958 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford Prefect 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 1958 Ford Prefect. 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 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1958 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1958 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2220 mm |
