1995 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit 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 107 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
