2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1370 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2009 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.3 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 | 1460 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 13.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
