2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2001 BMW M3
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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2001 BMW M3.
Because 2001 BMW M3 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 M3. 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 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
