2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 4 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 118 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 2007 BMW 550 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 2007 BMW 550. 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 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 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
