2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 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 360 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
Because 2008 BMW Z4 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 2008 BMW Z4. 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 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4. 2008 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
