2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1975 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ferrari 208 (168 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 452 kg more than 1975 Ferrari 208.
Because 1975 Ferrari 208 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 1975 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ferrari 208. (186 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1975 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 159 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
