1985 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige 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 120 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 Lotus Exige 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 2003 Lotus Exige. 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige 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 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 33 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 232 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
