1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1954 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1954 Oldsmobile 88. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1954 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1954 Oldsmobile 88 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 1954 Oldsmobile 88. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1954 Oldsmobile 88 (407 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1954 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1954 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1954 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1954 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 166 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3110 mm |
