1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
Because 1996 BMW Z3 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 1996 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Z3 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
