1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Ferrari 612
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 612 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 5,746 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 612 (541 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ferrari 612 weights approximately 590 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 2003 Ferrari 612 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 2003 Ferrari 612. 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, 2003 Ferrari 612 (588 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 401 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 2003 Ferrari 612 has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ferrari 612 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Ferrari 612 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 612 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 5746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
