1985 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (109 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (246 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 90 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
