2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 605 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 156 | S |
Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5786 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 362 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 2040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 19.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |