2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 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 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 523 | 159 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1770 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 | 11.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
