2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri 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 109 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | Capri |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
