1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2000 BMW 318
To start off, 2000 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2000 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 318 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2000 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 2000 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 318. (181 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2000 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
