2005 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 42 kg more than 2005 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 320 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
