1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1973 BMW 525
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 525 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1973 BMW 525 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 1973 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1973 BMW 525 (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1973 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
