2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 201 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
