2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, both 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 and 2004 BMW 318 were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 236 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 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 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
