1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 445 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 156 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3030 mm |
