2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1997 Rover 800
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Rover 800 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Rover 800. (173 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1997 Rover 800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1997 Rover 800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Rover 800. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Rover 800. 1997 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1997 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Rover |
| Model | 159 | 800 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
