1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 13 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 318 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 318 | 159 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2387 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |