2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
Because 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | 520 |
Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
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 |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |