1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley 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 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1949 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Armstrong Siddeley |
| Model | 156 | Whitley |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2930 mm |
