1956 Porsche 356 vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 627 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Porsche 356 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 1956 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1956 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1956 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Porsche 356 | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 356 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 858 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 63 L |
