2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
