2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 383 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia weights approximately 165 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia 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 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia has manual transmission. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia | 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 458 Italia | 156 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4500 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 570 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 539 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4526 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1938 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1214 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2649 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 63 L |
