2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2008 BMW M5
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M5 weights approximately 275 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 2008 BMW M5 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 2008 BMW M5. 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, 2008 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. 2008 BMW M5 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. 2008 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2008 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
