2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 545 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 2003 BMW 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 BMW 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2003 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 545 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
