1987 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 is newer by 18 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 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 (130 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 weights approximately 191 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 90 (176 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 90 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
