2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 7 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 360 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 2011 BMW 535 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 2011 BMW 535. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. 2011 BMW 535 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. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
