1990 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 206 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elise |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
