2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 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 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
