2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 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 151 kg more than 2005 Volvo V50.
Because 2005 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 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 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 156 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
