1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (226 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 166 | 520 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1951 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 226 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 88 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |