1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 146 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
