2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Ford Capri
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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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 Ford Capri (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Capri |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
