2008 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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 73 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 166 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
