1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 3 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS 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 90 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
Because 2001 Lexus IS 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 2001 Lexus IS. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
| Model | 166 | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
