2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DBS 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DBS weights approximately 261 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 Aston Martin DBS 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 2012 Aston Martin DBS. 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, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DBS 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 | 2012 Aston Martin DBS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin |
| Model | 156 | DBS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4719 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
