1988 Ford Sierra vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Sierra 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 1988 Ford Sierra. 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 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Sierra | 156 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2600 mm |
