1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 134 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 560 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 3177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1619 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2600 mm |
