2004 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2004 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 525 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
