1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 7 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 140 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 2005 BMW 525 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 2005 BMW 525. 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
