2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
Because 1978 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (289 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 911. (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 159 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
