2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2002 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
