2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 252 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 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 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
