1996 AC Cobra vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 224 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
Because 1996 AC Cobra 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 1996 AC Cobra. 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | AC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cobra | 156 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
