2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (140 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 147 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
