2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 122. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 122 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 122. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 122. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 458 kg more than 1965 Volvo 122. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Volvo 122 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 1965 Volvo 122. 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 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 122. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 122. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1965 Volvo 122 has manual transmission. 1965 Volvo 122 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 | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 166 | 122 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
