2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 255 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 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
