2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 12 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 575 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
