1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1969 BMW 1600. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1969 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 494 kg more than 1969 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 BMW 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1600 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 72 L |
