2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1959 Ford Zodiac

To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 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 166 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 228 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 166, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Alfa Romeo 166 1959 Ford Zodiac
Make Alfa Romeo Ford
Model 166 Zodiac
Year Released 2003 1959
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1970 cc 2552 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 148 HP 76 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 4400 RPM
Torque 182 Nm 188 Nm
Torque RPM 3800 RPM 2000 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1420 kg 1192 kg
Vehicle Length 4730 mm 4600 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1590 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2720 mm