2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 595 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 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
