2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 195 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 E 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 E. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
