2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2000 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2000 Lotus Elise. (143 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2000 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 700 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Lotus Elise 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 2000 Lotus Elise. 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 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2000 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 36 L |
