1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 122. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 122 would be higher. At 2,386 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 122. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 122. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1965 Volvo 122. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Volvo 122 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 1965 Volvo 122. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 122. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 122.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 122 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
