2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 362 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | 520 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1951 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.9 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 | 1308 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |