1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint weights approximately 48 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 Lotus Elan 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alfa Romeo Sprint | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Sprint | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
