2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 296 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | A |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.5 L/100km | 3.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
