1997 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 1998 BMW 740
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 698 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 740 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 1998 BMW 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 155, 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 | 1998 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 155 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1968 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
