2012 Audi A3 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2012 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Audi A3 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Audi | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A3 | 166 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1763 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1422 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 19.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
