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 2,959 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 83 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 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 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 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 | 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 | 2959 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1350 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 Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
