1998 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 318 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 17.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
