1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (220 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 2007 Lotus Exige 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (225 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
