2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 745
To start off, 2005 BMW 745 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 745 (325 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 745 weights approximately 500 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 745 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 745. 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 745 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 745 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 | 2005 BMW 745 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 745 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 2010 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
