1978 Volvo 264 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 264 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 Volvo 264. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 264 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 264 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 264 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 264 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
