2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 286 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 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
