2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,747 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 50 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (88 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 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 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
