1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 BMW 728
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 728. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 728 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 728 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 728 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 728 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 728 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 BMW 728 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 1979 BMW 728. 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, 1979 BMW 728 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 BMW 728 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 | 1979 BMW 728 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 728 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 201 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 | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
