1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 173 kg more than 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
