2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 3 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 2,386 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2009 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 520. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 520 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. 2009 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
