2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 25 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | E |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
