1987 BMW 318 vs. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 318 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 1987 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 318 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
