1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 490 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 2005 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 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 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 14.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
