2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3178 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
