1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 320 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2000 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
