1988 BMW Z1 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW Z1 would be higher. Both 1988 BMW Z1 and 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 are equipped with a 2,492 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1988 BMW Z1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW Z1 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 1988 BMW Z1. 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, 1988 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Z1 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2600 mm |
