2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 10 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 550 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 2012 BMW 640 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 2012 BMW 640. 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 640 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1365 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
