1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Holden GTS
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden GTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden GTS would be higher. At 4,141 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Holden GTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden GTS (158 HP @ 4550 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden GTS 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 20 kg more than 1978 Holden GTS.
Because 1978 Holden GTS 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 1978 Holden GTS. 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, 1978 Holden GTS (327 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Holden GTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. 1978 Holden GTS has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Holden GTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Holden GTS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Holden |
| Model | 166 | GTS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4141 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
