1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 13 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, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2010 BMW 120.
Because 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. 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, 2010 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 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 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| 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 | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1326 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 | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
