2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 46 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 275 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, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | 17M |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 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 | 1390 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
