1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2004 BMW 118
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 6 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 106 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 118 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 2004 BMW 118. 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, 2004 BMW 118 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2004 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 50 L |
