1995 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1350 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
