2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Ford Capri

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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri 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 130 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri
Make Alfa Romeo Ford
Model 166 Capri
Year Released 2003 1978
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2959 cc 1593 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 217 HP 87 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 265 Nm 125 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 80.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 72.6 mm 79.5 mm
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1550 kg 1025 kg
Vehicle Length 4730 mm 4380 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2570 mm