1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 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 9 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 584 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 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 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 44 L |
