2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 520 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 330 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 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 520 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 | 2005 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 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 | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 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 |
