1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 756 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 156 | Elan |
Year Released | 1998 | 1963 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 594 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |