1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (72 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2540 mm |
