2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (363 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 500 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 S 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 S. 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 S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
