2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort 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 172 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. 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 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort 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 | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
