2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 558 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 527 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin |
| Model | 156 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 549 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 745 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 113 L |
