2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 490 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 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner. 2009 Mercury Mariner 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. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
