2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 2 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (215 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 525 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 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 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (305 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | Viano |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
