2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1951 Ferrari 212
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 2,562 cc (12 cylinders), 1951 Ferrari 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1951 Ferrari 212. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1951 Ferrari 212. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 586 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Ferrari 212 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 1951 Ferrari 212. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ferrari 212. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1951 Ferrari 212 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 212 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 159 L |
