2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 BMW 732
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 BMW 732. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 BMW 732. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 732 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1979 BMW 732 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 1979 BMW 732. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 732. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 732.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 BMW 732 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 732 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
