2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford 17M would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1959 Ford 17M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford 17M 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 Ford 17M. 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 (306 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | 17M |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
