2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 BMW 745
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 745 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 745 (283 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 745 weights approximately 465 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 745 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 1996 BMW 745. 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, 1996 BMW 745 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 745 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 | 1996 BMW 745 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 745 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
