2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 263 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
