2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 160 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 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
