1968 Lotus Europa vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 33 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 605 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, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Europa | 146 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
