2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1979 Saab 900
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 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Saab 900 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 5 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (143 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1979 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Saab |
| Model | 166 | 900 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
