1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 14 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 315 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 2011 BMW 125 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 2011 BMW 125. 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, 2011 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 2011 BMW 125 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. 2011 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
