1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SLK | 166 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 72 L |
