1990 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise

To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 547 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (264 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.

Compare all specifications:

1990 Alfa Romeo 164 2009 Lotus Elise
Make Alfa Romeo Lotus
Model 164 Elise
Year Released 1990 2009
Body Type Sedan Roadster
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 2959 cc 1796 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 200 HP 120 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 264 Nm 168 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 11.0:1
Top Speed 232 km/hour 211 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 7.7 seconds 5.3 seconds
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1429 kg 882 kg
Vehicle Length 4560 mm 3790 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1120 mm
Wheelbase Size 2670 mm 2310 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 32 L