2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 235 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
Model | 156 | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 385 Nm | 291 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2880 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |