1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Esprit | 146 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 51 L |
