2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2007 BMW 523.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 8.8 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 | 1585 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
