2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford 17M would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1959 Ford 17M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford 17M 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 17M. 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 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | 17M |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
