1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 6 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 322 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 2003 BMW 530. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 14.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
