2009 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 525 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
