2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 7 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 820 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 2012 BMW 535 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 2012 BMW 535. 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 BMW 535 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. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
