1986 BMW M5 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 166. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
Because 1986 BMW M5 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 1986 BMW M5. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | M5 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 72 L |
