1985 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 AC Cobra (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1985 AC Cobra.
Because 1985 AC Cobra 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 1985 AC Cobra. 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, 1985 AC Cobra (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | AC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cobra | 156 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
