2009 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 318 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 318 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
