1998 BMW 740 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 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 648 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 740 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 740. 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 740 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 63 L |
