1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 702 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
