2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1990 BMW 525
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW 525. 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1990 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
