2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 1979 Ford Mustang. 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, 1979 Ford Mustang (209 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
