1981 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 BMW 520. 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 520 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
