1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 380 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1997 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 1997 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S | 166 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
