2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. 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 57 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| 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 | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 65 L |
