2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 39 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Because 1981 Ferrari 208 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 1981 Ferrari 208. 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, 1981 Ferrari 208 (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2350 mm |
