2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Sierra 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 1988 Ford Sierra. 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 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
