1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 189 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Elise |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
