2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 TVR Speed 12
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 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 601 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 585 kg more than 1998 TVR Speed 12.
Because 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12. 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 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 663 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 | 1998 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | TVR |
| Model | 156 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 332 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
