2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1970 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1970 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1970 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1970 Rover 3.5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Rover 3.5 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 1970 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Rover 3.5. 1970 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1970 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Rover |
| Model | 159 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
