2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 122. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 122 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 122. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 122. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1965 Volvo 122. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Volvo 122 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 1965 Volvo 122. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 122. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 122.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | 122 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
