2006 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 405 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 90 L |
