1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1993 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 210 kg more than 1993 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1993 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 1993 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1993 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1993 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
