BMW 3 series engine produces 12 HP less power than Alfa Romeo 156, whereas torque is 45 NM less than Alfa Romeo 156.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.9
6.7
Real fuel consumption:
6.5 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Alfa Romeo 156, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 120 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Alfa Romeo 156.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1030 km in combined cycle
940 km in combined cycle
1320 km on highway
1140 km on highway
930 km with real consumption
910 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.43 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.74 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.42 m
BMW 3 series is larger. BMW 3 series is 9 cm longer than the Alfa Romeo 156, 8 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 2 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
360 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
1180 litres
BMW 3 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 3 series has 100 litres more trunk space than the Alfa Romeo 156. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 3 series (by 205 litres).
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11.6 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.6 metres less than that of the Alfa Romeo 156, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Alfa Romeo 156 has serious deffects in 25 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better
