2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 556 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
