2004 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 331 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (335 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Polo | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Polo | 156 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1421 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1204 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
