1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 140 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Elise |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
