1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 66 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 308.
Because 1980 Ferrari 308 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 1980 Ferrari 308. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
