2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
Because 1974 BMW 3 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 1974 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 8.5 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 | 1542 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2700 mm |
