1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Falcon weights approximately 20 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1980 Ford Falcon 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 1980 Ford Falcon. 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 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Falcon. (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2830 mm |
