1996 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | GTV | 523 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
