2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 715 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. 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 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1495 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 36 L |
