2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S 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 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | 170S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1949 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 47 L |
