2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1970 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1970 Opel Ascona. (80 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 617 kg more than 1970 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Opel Ascona 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 1970 Opel Ascona. 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 (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Ascona. (118 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1970 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 166 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
