1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1969 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 1800 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 12 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 1800. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1969 Volvo 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Volvo 1800 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 1969 Volvo 1800. 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 1800. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1969 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
