2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 45 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 166. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | C | 166 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2600 mm |
