1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 145 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
