1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 222 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
