2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
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 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 2 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 362 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. 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 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 166 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 217 HP | 215 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 265 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1188 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 31 L |