1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 350 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 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, both vehicles can yield 186 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 164 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| 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 | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 241 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 | 850 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 | 40 L |
