2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 17 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 2006 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
