2003 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Ka | 155 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
