1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (109 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 22 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfetta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 65 L |
