1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (125 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 1996 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 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 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
