2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 BMW 729
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 729. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 729 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1998 BMW 729. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 729. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 729 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1998 BMW 729 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 729. 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, 1998 BMW 729 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 729 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 1998 BMW 729 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. 1998 BMW 729 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 BMW 729 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | 729 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2926 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 247 HP | 181 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 306 Nm | 410 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1830 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5130 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2940 mm |