1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 11 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 11 more horse power than 2009 BMW 125. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2009 BMW 125. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 125 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 2009 BMW 125. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 125. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
