1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1986 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 118 kg more than 1986 Ferrari 208.
Because 1986 Ferrari 208 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 1986 Ferrari 208. 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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 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 | 1986 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
