1972 Alfa Romeo Junior vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior weights approximately 334 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Junior | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Junior | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2140 mm |
