2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Audi A3
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 3 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 (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 50 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 2006 Audi A3 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, 2006 Audi A3 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, 2006 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 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 | 2006 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
| Model | 156 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
