1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 483 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Esprit | 166 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 69 L |
