1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 86 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 166 | 380 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3818 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 226 HP | 215 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 275 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 71.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |