1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 14 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 2,491 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 29 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
