2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
