1990 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1990 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Honda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Civic | 156 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
