2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. 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 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
