2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 111 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2880 mm |
