2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (376 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2005 Porsche 996.
Because 2005 Porsche 996 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 Porsche 996. 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, 2005 Porsche 996 (386 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 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 | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 156 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 89 L |
