1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Esprit | 146 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
