2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (386 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | 166 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
