1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 308 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |
