2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
