1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1156 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1944 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 111 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 5.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 120 L |
