"I need to specify the type of car for a trip in Italy. I have four adult passengers with four suitcases. Would an Alpha Romeo 156 be adequate?"

You don't mention for how long, or how far. Also, if you are renting from a regular company for a week or so, you are not necessarily going to get the car you select. I'm 0 for about 20 or 25 in Italy and France. I've gotten everything from a Lancia Diedra to a Mazda mini-van when trying to rent a small Mercedes.

The Alfa 156 is Italian for mid-sized. The most common substitute is a Fiat Marea wagon.

This vehicle is about the size of an old Ford Escort, would hold 4 suitcases & 4 people (barely), would have Topoleno velocity, and not much comfort for long trips.

A good view of cars, and a great selection, and good prices, look here:http://www.autoeurope.com/car.cfm?sessid=1591436610&sipp1=MECISFPLXVWK&actio n=list&pucountry=Italy&transmission=Manual&rowstar t=6&puday=9&pumonth=6&puyear=2001&putime=8&doday= 16&domonth=6&doyear=2001&dotime=8&domin=00&pumin=0 0&sort= (if this is not in html, just go to autoeurope.com).

Autoeurope quotes inclusive prices. They are brokers for 2 or there companies. Half the price in Italy is tax and insurance. Many, such as Budget did not quote inclusive price, last time I rented.