2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,492 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 58 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Opel Commodore 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 1980 Opel Commodore. 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 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
