2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 BMW M3 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 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 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 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 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.4 L/100km | 17 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
