2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 35 kg more than 2012 BMW 525.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. 2012 BMW 525 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
