2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | M3 |
Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3168 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 342 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
Torque | 385 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 91 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |