2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 159 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
