2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
