2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1978 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ferrari 400 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 Ferrari 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1978 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1978 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 159 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 120 L |
