1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
