2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1972 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Toyota Carina 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 1972 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Carina. (134 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
