1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2010 BMW Z4
To start off, 2010 BMW Z4 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (143 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW Z4 weights approximately 240 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 2010 BMW Z4 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 Z4. 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 Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
