2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1973 Ford Escort
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort 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 89 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 576 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Escort 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 1973 Ford Escort. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1973 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 177 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 | 914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
