2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1976 Ferrari 512 BB.
Because 1976 Ferrari 512 BB 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 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. 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, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1976 Ferrari 512 BB | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 159 | 512 BB |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 110 L |
