2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 356 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2880 mm |
