2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Renault 5
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 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 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 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 156 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
