2008 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide weights approximately 705 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Aston Martin Rapide 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 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin |
| Model | 156 | Rapide |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
