2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW 325
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 7 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 325 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 2008 BMW 325. 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
