1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise 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 599 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 187 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| 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 | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
