1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2004 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2004 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 6 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. (255 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2004 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2004 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Vauxhall |
| Model | 166 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
