1992 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,773 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 614 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155, 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, 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Alfa Romeo 155 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 155 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1204 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
