1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 390 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 2004 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 2004 BMW 525. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
