2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (198 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 85 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
