2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige

To start off, both 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 and 2003 Lotus Exige were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 770 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Lotus Exige 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 2003 Lotus Exige. 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 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Exige 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 2003 Lotus Exige
Make Alfa Romeo Lotus
Model 166 Exige
Year Released 2003 2003
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 2959 cc 1796 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 217 HP 175 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 7800 RPM
Torque 265 Nm 168 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 7.0:1
Top Speed 236 km/hour 232 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 8.6 seconds 5.8 seconds
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 780 kg
Vehicle Length 4730 mm 3800 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1170 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2310 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 69 L 36 L