2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 270 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 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 2008 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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
