1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Audi A3
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 7 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 3,188 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A3 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A3 weights approximately 380 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 2005 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3 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, 2005 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A3 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 | 2005 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
| Model | 156 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 3188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
