1996 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
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, 1996 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1996 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 1996 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Audi | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A3 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
