1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 321 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
