2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 BMW M6
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 M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M6 weights approximately 165 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 M6 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 M6. 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 M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M6 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 M6 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | M6 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
