2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 266 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Lotus Elise. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. 2010 Lotus Elise has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 86 L |
