1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 208. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ferrari 208 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 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 208 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2600 mm |
