1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Nova 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 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Nova | 156 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2600 mm |
