1981 BMW 628 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 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 66 more horse power than 1981 BMW 628. (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 628. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1981 BMW 628. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 628 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 1981 BMW 628. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 628. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 628. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 628 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 628 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:
| 1981 BMW 628 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 628 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
