2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
