2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 2009 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. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
