2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1993 BMW 518
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1993 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1993 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 BMW 518 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 1993 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1993 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1993 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
