2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
Because 2008 BMW 120 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 120. 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 BMW 120 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. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
