1996 Volvo 960 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1996 Volvo 960 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 1996 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 960 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2600 mm |
