1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (175 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 79 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Esprit | 164 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
