1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Because 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III 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 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 166 | 3000 Mk III |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 54 L |
