2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 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 350 kg more than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Because 1998 Toyota MR2 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 1998 Toyota MR2. 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, 1998 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
