2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria
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 Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 94 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1978 Ford Crown Victoria 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 Crown Victoria. 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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
