2008 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2002 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2002 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 520 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (386 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2002 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
