2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 650
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (361 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 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 2009 BMW 650 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 650. 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 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 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 650 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 650 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
