2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1985 BMW M5.
Because 1985 BMW M5 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 1985 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
