2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2002 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW 318. 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
