1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (84 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 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 26 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 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 1968 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 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 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
