2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 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 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 1977 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
