2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Alpina B7
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 4 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 570 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 2008 Alpina B7 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 2008 Alpina B7. 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, 2008 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 Alpina B7 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. 2008 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | 156 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
