2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
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, 2009 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 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 159 | 525 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2443 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 226 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1460 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |