1989 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 20 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 33. (78 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 33 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 33. (113 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 33 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
