1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. (190 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 35 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. (226 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S | 166 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
