2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 56 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. 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 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 156 | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
