2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 211 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1995 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 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1995 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 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1995 |
| 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 | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 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 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| 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 | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 73 L |
