2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 9 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 385 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 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
