2007 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 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 (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 520. 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
