1995 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 677 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lotus Elise 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
