1988 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | M3 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
