2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 4,797 cc, 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 499 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 BMW 550. 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 4797 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 657 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 5.6 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 | 1555 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
