1995 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 286 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 146, 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
