1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (77 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 415 kg more than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Lotus Esprit 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit 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 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1350 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
