2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 186 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 156 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
