2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 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), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
