1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Because 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Seven | 146 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
