1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 787 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lotus Elise 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 1999 Lotus Elise. 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 (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
