2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 520 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
