2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 11 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (227 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 290 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
