2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 260 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 550 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 550. 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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 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 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
