2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
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 Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Prefect. 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 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 117 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 54 L |
