2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 911 (537 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1997 Porsche 911.
Because 1997 Porsche 911 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 1997 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1997 Porsche 911 (600 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 156 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 537 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 280 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
