1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145, 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 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 145 | 520 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2968 mm |