1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 25 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1825 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
