2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
