2008 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 835 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Exige. 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 (386 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1615 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 |
