2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1982 Opel Manta
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1982 Opel Manta. (110 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1982 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1982 Opel Manta (161 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1982 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Manta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
