2008 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 444 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lotus Excel 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 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 232 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 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 66 L |
