2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1973 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 165 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 | 1973 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
