2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2006 BMW 530 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
