1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise 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 128 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
