1981 Austin Marina vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Marina would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1981 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Austin Marina 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 Austin Marina. 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Marina | 156 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2600 mm |
