2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 330
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 240 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 330 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 330. 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 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 BMW 330 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 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
