2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1982 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ferrari 208 (220 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 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 108 kg more than 1982 Ferrari 208.
Because 1982 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 1982 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, 1982 Ferrari 208 (241 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1982 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 | 1982 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71 mm |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
