2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 548 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 31 L |
