2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1984 Maserati 420
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Maserati 420 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Maserati 420 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 300 kg more than 1984 Maserati 420.
Because 1984 Maserati 420 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 1984 Maserati 420. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1984 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Maserati |
| Model | 156 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
