1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 67 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
