2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 2 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 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 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 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 2008 BMW 523. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1490 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 | 13 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
