1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra. 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
