2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 2 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 130 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 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 BMW 318 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. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
