2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 BMW 740
To start off, 2006 BMW 740 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 740 (302 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 740 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 740 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 2006 BMW 740. 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, 2006 BMW 740 (390 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2006 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 88 L |
