1989 BMW 518 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 518 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 1989 BMW 518. 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 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 518 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
