2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 130 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
| Model | 156 | IS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
