1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 52 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige 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 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Exige |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
