2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 6 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 555 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 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 481 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 Alpina B7 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. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | 156 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 82 L |
