2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 690 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
