1997 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Honda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Civic | 156 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2600 mm |
