2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1991 BMW 525
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1991 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 525 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1991 BMW 525 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 1991 BMW 525. 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 @ 1800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 525. (260 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1991 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
