2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
