1996 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 155, 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 155. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Alfa Romeo 155 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 155 | 520 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 144 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 72 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |