2004 BMW 525 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2004 BMW 525 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 2004 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 525 | 166 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
