2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Rover P5
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 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1959 Rover P5 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 Rover P5. 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, 1959 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 1959 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Rover |
| Model | 156 | P5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
