2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
