2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (185 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 1978 Fiat 131. 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 166 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
