1966 BMW 1600 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 BMW 1600 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 1966 BMW 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1600 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
