1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 14 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 19 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (207 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 166 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
