2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 609 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Lotus Elise 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 166 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 72 L |
