2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer significantly more control. 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 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
