2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 515 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 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
