2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 BMW M3
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 284 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 2004 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 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 | 2004 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
