1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 155. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 155.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elan | 155 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
