1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 7 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 410 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 2005 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 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 Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
