2005 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 147 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
