2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW Z4
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW Z4 (227 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2003 BMW Z4.
Because 2003 BMW Z4 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 Z4. 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, 2003 BMW Z4 (291 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW Z4 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 | 2003 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
