2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 3 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), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 335 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 2008 BMW M3 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 2008 BMW M3. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
