2009 BMW 118 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 118 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 118 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
