2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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, 1979 Mazda Montrose (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda Montrose will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 1979 Mazda Montrose 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. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | Montrose |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
