2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 252 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire 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 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 156 | Starfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
