1988 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 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 22 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
Because 1988 BMW M5 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 M5. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M5 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
Model | M5 | 159 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2387 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 360 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 7 L/100km |