2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 251 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 1990 Volvo 960 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 1990 Volvo 960. 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 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
