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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 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 164 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 54 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 | 2387 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 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 | 1490 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
