1996 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 155 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
