1979 Isuzu 117 vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu 117 would be higher. At 2,236 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Isuzu 117. (72 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1979 Isuzu 117. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1979 Isuzu 117. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Isuzu 117 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 Isuzu 117. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Isuzu 117. (139 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Isuzu 117.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Isuzu 117 | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Isuzu | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 117 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2236 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 50 L |
