1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 13 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 870 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 607 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
