2003 Porsche 996 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 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 996 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 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 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Porsche 996 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 996 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 63 L |
