2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 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 (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 350 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.8 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
