2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 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 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 166 | 146 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.9 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 51 L |
