1981 BMW 745 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1981 BMW 745.
Because 1981 BMW 745 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 745. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 745 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 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 | 1590 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
