2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 BMW 524
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 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (164 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 524 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
