2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 2003 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2003 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
