2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Volvo 244
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (120 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 244. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1980 Volvo 244. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Volvo 244 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 Volvo 244. 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, 1980 Volvo 244 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 244 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 | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 244 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
