2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 3 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), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 77 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
