1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 BMW 118
To start off, 2007 BMW 118 is newer by 10 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2007 BMW 118. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2007 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 118 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 2007 BMW 118. 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 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 118. 2007 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
