2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 105 kg more than 2005 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 2011 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1778 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
