1995 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 45 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 145. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
