1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 6 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
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 (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
