1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 394 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 164 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 212 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 | 1200 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
