2009 BMW 120 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 289 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2011 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 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 120 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
