2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 7 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 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118. 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 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
