2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2004 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2004 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 2004 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 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | 520 |
Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 248 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |