1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Europa | 164 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
