2006 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 523 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2387 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
