1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 12 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 312 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 2009 BMW 550 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 2009 BMW 550. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4799 cc |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
