1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (191 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.1 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 29 L |
