2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,386 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 29 L |
