2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1998 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 151 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 325 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 1998 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1998 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
