1998 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 283 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | Spider | Esprit |
Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
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 | 1350 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |