2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550.
Because 1996 Ferrari 550 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 1996 Ferrari 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 159 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 320 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 | 1705 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 114 L |
