1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 14 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 480 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 2012 BMW 740 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 2012 BMW 740. 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 82 L |
