2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1958 Ford 17
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1958 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford 17 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 1958 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1958 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | 17 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
