2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 114 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 318 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 2001 BMW 318. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1428 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 Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
