1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 318 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 2001 BMW 318. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
