1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Fairlane | 166 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2600 mm |
