2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Ford Escort
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 Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 523 kg more than 1959 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Escort 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 Escort. 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 (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 1171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92.5 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
