2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (198 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
