2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 11 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 2,490 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 345 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series 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 2013 BMW 5 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
