2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (200 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1955 Oldsmobile 88 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 1955 Oldsmobile 88. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 166 | 88 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3110 mm |
