1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 256 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. 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 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | GTV | 156 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2385 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
