2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Ford Zodiac
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 Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1959 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. 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, 1959 Ford Zodiac (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
