2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 840 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 1996 BMW 840. 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, 1996 BMW 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 840 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
