2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 684 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 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 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2006 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2006 Lotus Elise 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 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 40 L |
