2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 411 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 62 L |
