2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 490 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercury Mariner (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
