1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
Because 2009 BMW 135 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 2009 BMW 135. 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
