2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 9.3 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 | 1585 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
