2008 Alfa Romeo 159 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 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 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 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. 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 159. 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 (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. 2012 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 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 159 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1490 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
