2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 5 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, 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 515 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 2008 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 BMW X3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 BMW X3 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. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2979 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
