2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Audi A3
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 6 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2009 Audi A3. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3. 2009 Audi A3 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. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
| Model | 156 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
