2003 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2003 Ford Focus. 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Focus | 156 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
