1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 BMW 520.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 520 | 159 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1910 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 281 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.4 mm |
Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |