2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1983 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1983 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Toyota Starlet 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 1983 Toyota Starlet. 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 (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1983 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
