2008 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 530 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
