2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (123 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (289 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 1977 Ford Cortina 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. 1977 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
