1981 BMW 528 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 528 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
