1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ferrari 308. 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 308 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
