2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 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 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 325 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 519 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
