2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (164 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 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 (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | 520 |
Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 164 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 206 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 185 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 | 1435 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |