2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 5 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 2,501 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 475 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 2008 Lexus IS 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, 2008 Lexus IS 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, 2008 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS 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 | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
| Model | 156 | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
