2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (86 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 372 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
