2009 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 2009 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 523 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
