2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 9 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 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 345 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 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 322 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
