1989 Volvo 440 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 440 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 58 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 440. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1989 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 440. (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 440. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 440 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 440 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volvo 440 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 440 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
