2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 180 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 89 L |
