2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 8 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2001 BMW 318.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
