2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 375 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 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | C |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
