1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 20 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan, 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2260 mm |
