2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1988 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 1988 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 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
