2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 55 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 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
