2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 Holden Commodore. (164 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 1988 Holden Commodore. 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, 1988 Holden Commodore (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1988 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1988 Holden Commodore 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 | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Holden |
| Model | 166 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2740 mm |
