1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia 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 Giulia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (190 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Giulia | Elan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2260 mm |
