1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV weights approximately 329 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | GTV | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
