1991 Porsche 968 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Porsche 968. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Porsche 968 would be higher. At 2,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Porsche 968 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Porsche 968 (240 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (208 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Porsche 968 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1991 Porsche 968.
Because 1991 Porsche 968 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 1991 Porsche 968. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Porsche 968. (305 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Porsche 968.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Porsche 968 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 968 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2989 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 70 L |
