2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 111 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW M5 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 1980 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
