2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2004 BMW 320 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 2004 BMW 320. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
