1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda (286 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda weights approximately 905 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda 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 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda. 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, 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Aston Martin Lagonda | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin |
| Model | 156 | Lagonda |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2920 mm |
