2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 3 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 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 320 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 2005 BMW 320. 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, 2005 BMW 320 (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
