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 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 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. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 61 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 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 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 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
