2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
