2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1982 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. (198 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1982 Ferrari 208.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ferrari 208. (240 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1982 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 159 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 74 L |
