1990 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520.
Because 1990 BMW 520 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 1990 BMW 520. 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 (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 520 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1542 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 |
