1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1996 BMW 528
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 528 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 1996 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 1996 BMW 528 has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1996 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
