2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 41 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 2009 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 120 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
