2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 272 kg more than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Because 2005 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. 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 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
