2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (127 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volvo 780 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1985 Volvo 780 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 1985 Volvo 780. 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, 1985 Volvo 780 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 780 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 | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 780 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
