2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 55 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 61 L |
