2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP) has 128 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. 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 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 54 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
