1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elite | 146 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 51 L |
