2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166. (136 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Exige | 166 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
