2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2001 BMW M3
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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.4 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
