1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1993 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 (207 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 617 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elan | 164 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
