2003 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 318 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 318 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
