1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1980 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Fairlane 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 1980 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. 1980 Ford Fairlane 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. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1980 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
