1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
