2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 8 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 350 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
