2004 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2004 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 320 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
