2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 6 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 98 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
Because 2009 Alpina B3 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 2009 Alpina B3. 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 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 2009 Alpina B3 has manual transmission. 2009 Alpina B3 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 | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | 166 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 271 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 5.4 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 | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
