1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 vs. 1989 Dodge Shadow
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. (104 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1989 Dodge Shadow.
Because 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. (206 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 | 1989 Dodge Shadow | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Dodge |
| Model | Alfa 6 | Shadow |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1288 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2470 mm |
