1981 BMW 725 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
Because 1981 BMW 725 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 725. 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 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 725 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2600 mm |
