2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1954 Ford Prefect
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1954 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1954 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Prefect 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 1954 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1954 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2220 mm |
