1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 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 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
