2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 (133 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 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 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | Alfa 6 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 66.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
