2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 115 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 523 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 523. 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 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 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
