2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
