1981 Ford Taunus vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1981 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Taunus 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 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Taunus | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Taunus | 156 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 247 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2600 mm |
