1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 12 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 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 194 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
