2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2009 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 318. 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 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 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 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
