2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 BMW 528
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 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 134 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. 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 (289 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 212 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 | 1434 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
