1978 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 147
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alfa Romeo 147 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2010 Alfa Romeo 147.
Because 1978 BMW 520 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 147 (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2010 Alfa Romeo 147 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 520 | 147 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
