2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Ford Capri
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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri 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 190 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Capri |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
