2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 9 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 430 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 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 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 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 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 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
