2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 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 292 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 166 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.9 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
