2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 27 more horse power than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
