2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 6 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 365 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 550. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 BMW 550 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. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
