2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1968 Ford 12 M
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1968 Ford 12 M. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1968 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 12 M 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 1968 Ford 12 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 12 M. (80 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1968 Ford 12 M | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | 12 M |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1182 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
