2007 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
