2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
