2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (120 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Rover 3.5 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 1972 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Rover |
| Model | 156 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2820 mm |
