2005 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 318 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 113 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
