1969 Honda S800 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1969 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1969 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1969 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Honda S800 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 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Honda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S800 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
