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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 103 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 390 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 (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 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 1598 cc 2987 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 118 HP 221 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 4200 RPM
Torque 140 Nm 510 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 1600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82.1 mm 83 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75.6 mm 92 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.3:1 18.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Acceleration 0-100mph 11 seconds 8.1 seconds
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1265 kg 1655 kg
Vehicle Length 4450 mm 4530 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.9 L/100km 6.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 62 L