1988 Porsche 944 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 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 139 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Porsche 944 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 Porsche 944. 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Porsche 944 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 944 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 63 L |
