1995 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 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 27 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| 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 | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 245 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 | 1175 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
