2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. 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 99 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 141 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 2009 BMW 320. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2009 BMW 320 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. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
