2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (88 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1970 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2590 mm |
