2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 6 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 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 85 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
Because 2008 BMW Z4 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 Z4. 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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
