1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 5 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2003 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 2003 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
