2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1998 TVR Speed 12
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 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 573 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 550 kg more than 1998 TVR Speed 12.
Because 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12. 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 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 616 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12 has manual transmission. 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | TVR |
| Model | 166 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 332 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 | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 57 L |
