1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 11 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 54 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2009 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 166 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
