2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
