2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (323 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | 159 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
