2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1984 Rover 3500
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover 3500 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Rover 3500 (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Rover 3500 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Rover 3500 weights approximately 181 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Rover 3500 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 1984 Rover 3500. 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, 1984 Rover 3500 (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Rover 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 1984 Rover 3500 has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Rover 3500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1984 Rover 3500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Rover |
| Model | 156 | 3500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
