2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
