1985 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 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), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise 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 115 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 Lotus Elise 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise 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 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 33 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2007 |
| 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 | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 197 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 | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
