1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1989 BMW 316
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1989 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1989 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 316 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 1989 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 316. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1989 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
