2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 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 1978 Ferrari 308. 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 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 308 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
