2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1975 Ferrari 208. (168 HP @ 7700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1975 Ferrari 208. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ferrari 208 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 1975 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ferrari 208. (186 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
