1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (136 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 33 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2310 mm |
