2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 weights approximately 269 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 (441 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (400 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1729 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
