2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 Audi S3
To start off, 2004 Audi S3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi S3 (222 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi S3 weights approximately 33 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 2004 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi S3 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, 2004 Audi S3 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Audi S3 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 | 2004 Audi S3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
| Model | 156 | S3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
