2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
