2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 215 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 1988 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 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
