1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Elan | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
Model | Elan | 159 |
Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3195 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 322 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |