2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 795 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
