2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1998 BMW 316
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 152 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 316 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 1998 BMW 316. 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 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1998 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 13.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.4 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
