1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 15 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 325 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 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (650 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 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 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 156 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
