2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 846 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (385 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 2356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
