1985 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 33 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2140 mm |
