2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1957 Porsche 356
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1957 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1957 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1957 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Porsche 356 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 1957 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Porsche 356. (120 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1957 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 159 | 356 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
