1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 10 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, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2008 BMW 318.
Because 2008 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 2008 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1395 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 |
