2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 702 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Porsche 356 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 1959 Porsche 356. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 166 | 356 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 52 L |
