2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 140 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 | 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 166 | 355 Spider |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 110 L |
