2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (120 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 176 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 1978 Volvo 264 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 1978 Volvo 264. 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 264 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
