2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 118 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M5 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 1988 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
