2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION 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, 2005 Saturn ION (205 HP) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION 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 180 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION.
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) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (271 Nm). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saturn |
| Model | 156 | ION |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 205 HP |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
